Ginebra’s Reyes rewards coach Agustin’s confidence with crucial basket

Jayr Reyes of Ginebra. Photo by PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines — Jayr Reyes scored only three points but his lone basket was perhaps as crucial as that of Japeth Aguilar’s last-second 3-pointer in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s 83-82 nipping of Meralco Saturday.

After all, had Reyes missed on his left corner triple, the Kings’ comeback wouldn’t have been possible.

And while many were surprised with Reyes, not known for making outside shots, hitting one from downtown, Ginebra wasn’t.

“Jayr’s shot was really crucial. I know he’s a shooter but I told him to work more on his post-game and I told him it will come that I will make you hit a triple,” said Agustin in Filipino after his team roared back from five points down in 15 seconds.

It came eventually off a play designed by Agustin off a timeout — a play Reyes said the team had practiced twice before.

“We actually worked on that play twice in practice. Coach Ato (Agustin) told me that if the point guard gets denied and I find myself open from 3-points, don’t hesitate to take the shot,” said the six-foot-seven Reyes, whose 3-pointer from the left corner in front of his team’s bench pulled the Kings to within two, 80-82, with only 12.8 seconds remaining.

“Give credit to Jayr Reyes because when he popped out, he shot the ball with no hesitation,” said Aguilar.

Reyes also thanked Agustin for giving him the confidence to take the shot.

“I’m thankful for the confidence coach Ato has been giving me. He has high confidence in me so I’m just giving back to him,” said Reyes, the former Meralco slotman who was traded to Ginebra in the offseason for veteran forward Kerby Raymundo.

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